Israel moved towards a new election on Monday (May 27) as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to form a government following a national ballot just last month remained deadlocked. In a preliminary vote, parliament decided to dissolve itself. In order to disperse and set an election date, legislators would still have to hold a final vote, likely to take place on Wednesday.

Israel election: Israel moves closer to new election as Netanyahu struggles to form govt

The Israeli military confirmed it carried out an air strike in Syria in retaliation for what it said was anti-aircraft fire targeting one of its fighter jets. The Syrian province of Quneitra includes the Golan Heights, most of which is occupied and annexed by Israel.

Israel and Syria exchange fire amid soaring regional tensions

Israel&nbsp;voiced&nbsp;openness on Monday to&nbsp;US-mediated&nbsp;talks&nbsp;with&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;on resolving a dispute over the neighbours' maritime&nbsp;border&nbsp;that has dogged Mediterranean oil and gas exploration.

Such&nbsp;talks,&nbsp;Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz's office said in a statement after he met&nbsp;US&nbsp;envoy David Satterfield, could be "for the good of both countries' interests in developing natural gas reserves and oil" by agreeing on a&nbsp;border.

There was no immediate comment from Lebanese or&nbsp;US&nbsp;officials.

Technically at war since&nbsp;Israel's founding in 1948,&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;have long disagreed on&nbsp;border&nbsp;demarcations, a dispute affecting a&nbsp;sea&nbsp;area of about 860 sq km (330 square miles) extending along the edge of three of&nbsp;Lebanon's southern energy blocks.

Waters in one of those blocks are also claimed by&nbsp;Israel, which kicked off a gas bonanza in the eastern Mediterranean almost a decade ago with the discovery of two huge gas fields.

The dispute has led to years of brinkmanship with both sides promising to protect their resources and warning about encroachment.

Israel voiced openness on Monday to US-mediated talks with Lebanon on resolving a dispute over the neighbours' maritime border that has dogged Mediterranean oil and gas exploration.

Israel voiced openness on Monday to US-mediated talks with Lebanon on resolving a dispute over the neighbours' maritime border that has dogged Mediterranean oil and gas exploration. Such talks, Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz's office said in a statement after he met US envoy David Satterfield, could be "for the good of both countries' interests in developing natural gas reserves and oil" by agreeing on a border. There was no immediate comment from Lebanese or US officials. Technically at war since Israel's founding in 1948, Israel and Lebanon have long disagreed on border demarcations, a dispute affecting a sea area of about 860 sq km (330 square miles) extending along the edge of three of Lebanon's southern energy blocks. Waters in one of those blocks are also claimed by Israel, which kicked off a gas bonanza in the eastern Mediterranean almost a decade ago with the discovery of two huge gas fields. The dispute has led to years of brinkmanship with both sides promising to protect their resources and warning about encroachment.

Israel open to US-mediated talks with Lebanon on sea border

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said Sunday that Germany's warning to Jews on the dangers of wearing the traditional kippah cap was a "capitulation to anti-Semitism" and evidence Jews were unsafe there.

Germany's government commissioner on anti-Semitism, Felix Klein, said in an interview published Saturday he "cannot advise Jews to wear the kippah everywhere all the time in Germany," due to increasing anti-Semitism and anti-Jewish attacks there.

Rivlin said Klein's remarks "shocked" him, and while appreciating the German government's "commitment to the Jewish community," accused it of bowing to those targeting Jews in Germany.

"Fears about the security of German Jews are a capitulation to anti-Semitism and an admittance that, again, Jews are not safe on German soil," he said.

"We will never submit, will never lower our gaze and will never react to anti-Semitism with defeatism -- and expect and demand our allies act in the same way," he said.

Anti-Semitic crimes rose by 20 per cent in Germany last year, according to interior ministry data which blamed nine out of 10 cases on the extreme right.

Klein, whose post was created last year, said that while the far-right was to blame for the vast majority of anti-Semitic crime, some Muslims were also influenced by watching certain television channels "which transmit a dreadful image of Israel and Jews".

Germany has a culture of atonement over atrocities committed during World War II, during which the ruling Nazis orchestrated the murder of some six million Jews in the Holocaust.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said Sunday that Germany's warning to Jews on the dangers of wearing the traditional kippah cap was a "capitulation to anti-Semitism" and evidence Jews were unsafe there.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said Sunday that Germany's warning to Jews on the dangers of wearing the traditional kippah cap was a "capitulation to anti-Semitism" and evidence Jews were unsafe there. Germany's government commissioner on anti-Semitism, Felix Klein, said in an interview published Saturday he "cannot advise Jews to wear the kippah everywhere all the time in Germany," due to increasing anti-Semitism and anti-Jewish attacks there. Rivlin said Klein's remarks "shocked" him, and while appreciating the German government's "commitment to the Jewish community," accused it of bowing to those targeting Jews in Germany. "Fears about the security of German Jews are a capitulation to anti-Semitism and an admittance that, again, Jews are not safe on German soil," he said. "We will never submit, will never lower our gaze and will never react to anti-Semitism with defeatism -- and expect and demand our allies act in the same way," he said. Anti-Semitic crimes rose by 20 per cent in Germany last year, according to interior ministry data which blamed nine out of 10 cases on the extreme right. Klein, whose post was created last year, said that while the far-right was to blame for the vast majority of anti-Semitic crime, some Muslims were also influenced by watching certain television channels "which transmit a dreadful image of Israel and Jews". Germany has a culture of atonement over atrocities committed during World War II, during which the ruling Nazis orchestrated the murder of some six million Jews in the Holocaust.

Israel president says Jews unsafe in Germany after kippah warning

Four European countries and&nbsp;Egypt&nbsp;sent&nbsp;aircraft to help&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;battle&nbsp;wildfires&nbsp;that have forced the evacuation of some small towns,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-gets-more-time-to-form-new-israel-government-218385"> Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu </a>said on Friday, as a record heatwave looked set to worsen conditions.

Firefighting planes were coming in from Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Croatia,&nbsp;Israel's Foreign Ministry said.&nbsp;Egypt, on the orders of President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, had also sent two helicopters to assist&nbsp;Israel, Netanyahu told reporters.

Israel's Fire and Rescue Service said blazes in a key corridor between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv were mostly under control but difficult weather remained a conflagration risk.

"As of this moment, this (containment) is being done in the best possible way, but the challenge is yet ahead of us given the weather conditions, the winds and the extreme heat," Netanyahu said.

The Palestinian Authority and Russia had also offered help, he said.

Some 3,500 residents of small towns in the fire's path were evacuated on Thursday, officials said. Dozens of homes have burned down.

Four European countries and Egypt sent aircraft to help Israel battle wildfires that have forced the evacuation of some small towns, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday, as a record heatwave looked set to worsen conditions.

Four European countries and Egypt sent aircraft to help Israel battle wildfires that have forced the evacuation of some small towns, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday, as a record heatwave looked set to worsen conditions. Firefighting planes were coming in from Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Croatia, Israel's Foreign Ministry said. Egypt, on the orders of President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, had also sent two helicopters to assist Israel, Netanyahu told reporters. Israel's Fire and Rescue Service said blazes in a key corridor between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv were mostly under control but difficult weather remained a conflagration risk. "As of this moment, this (containment) is being done in the best possible way, but the challenge is yet ahead of us given the weather conditions, the winds and the extreme heat," Netanyahu said. The Palestinian Authority and Russia had also offered help, he said. Some 3,500 residents of small towns in the fire's path were evacuated on Thursday, officials said. Dozens of homes have burned down.

Europeans and Egypt send air support as Israel battles wildfires

Israel launched strikes on southern Syria late Saturday, a war monitor said, prompting air defences into action for the second night in a row.

"Israeli aeroplanes fired at least three missiles from the occupied Golan," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Two of the strikes targeted a Syrian army brigade which supervises the country's Quneitra province, he told AFP, while the third missile was destroyed by Syrian defences.

Syria's official SANA news agency reported "foreign objects coming from the occupied territories (Israel)" which Syrian air defences were "dealing with".

The Israeli military did not comment on the reported strikes when approached by AFP.

The strikes come a day after Syrian air defence systems intercepted projectiles coming from Israel, SANA reported.

The "hostile targets" were fired late Friday towards Quneitra province which lies close to the Golan Heights, parts of which are annexed by Israel.

Hundreds of strikes have been carried out by Israel in Syria, most of them against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets.

Israel says it is determined to prevent its arch-foe Iran from entrenching itself militarily in Syria, where Tehran backs President Bashar al-Assad in the country's eight-year war.

Israel insists that it has the right to continue to target positions in Syria held by Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah.

Israel launched strikes on southern Syria late Saturday, a war monitor said, prompting air defences into action for the second night in a row. "Israeli aeroplanes fired at least three missiles from the occupied Golan," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Israel launched strikes on southern Syria late Saturday, a war monitor said, prompting air defences into action for the second night in a row. "Israeli aeroplanes fired at least three missiles from the occupied Golan," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Two of the strikes targeted a Syrian army brigade which supervises the country's Quneitra province, he told AFP, while the third missile was destroyed by Syrian defences. Syria's official SANA news agency reported "foreign objects coming from the occupied territories (Israel)" which Syrian air defences were "dealing with". The Israeli military did not comment on the reported strikes when approached by AFP. The strikes come a day after Syrian air defence systems intercepted projectiles coming from Israel, SANA reported. The "hostile targets" were fired late Friday towards Quneitra province which lies close to the Golan Heights, parts of which are annexed by Israel. Hundreds of strikes have been carried out by Israel in Syria, most of them against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets. Israel says it is determined to prevent its arch-foe Iran from entrenching itself militarily in Syria, where Tehran backs President Bashar al-Assad in the country's eight-year war. Israel insists that it has the right to continue to target positions in Syria held by Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah.

Israel strikes southern Syria: War monitor

Jerusalem To Israel, Gaza To Abbas: Here Are The Details Of the So-Called 'Deal Of The Century' Here is a report on the so-called 'deal of the century'; What's it? It is an American plan to bring peace to West Asia & resolve the conflict between Israel & Palestine. Parts of the plan have been leaked by various media reports.

Gravitas: Media reports unveil ‘Deal of the century’ details

The armed wing of Hamas is using increasingly complex methods of raising funds via bitcoin, researchers say, highlighting the difficulties regulators face in tracking cryptocurrency financing of outfits designated by some as terrorist groups.

Hamas shifts tactics in bitcoin fundraising, highlighting crypto risks

Amnesty International Israel said on Tuesday a possible spyware attack on mobile app Whatsapp 'endangers' millions of users around the world including human rights defenders. Facebook's WhatsApp, a popular messaging tool used by 1.5 billion people monthly, said on Tuesday a security breach on its app had signs of coming from a private company working on surveillance and it had referred the incident to the US Department of Justice.

WhatsApp spyware attack 'endangers' millions - Amnesty International

A vulnerability discovered in Facebook’s WhatsApp messaging app is being exploited to inject commercial spyware onto Android and iOS phones by simply calling the target. The spyware, reportedly developed by Israel’s secretive NSO group, can be installed without trace and without the target answering the call, according to security researchers and confirmed by WhatsApp.

WhatsApp voice calls used to inject spyware on phones

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-says-needs-more-time-to-form-new-government-218056">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday</a> that a site for a promised new settlement to be named after US President Donald Trump had been chosen and formal approval was underway.

"I promised that we would establish a community named after President Trump," Netanyahu said at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting.

"I would like to inform you that we have already selected a site in the Golan Heights where this new community will be established, and we have started the process," he said in Hebrew.

Netanyahu pledged such a move last month, in appreciation of Trump's recognition of Israel's claim of sovereignty over part of the strategic plateau.

Trump broke with longstanding international consensus on March 25 when he recognised Israel's claim of sovereignty over the part of the Golan it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War.

In December 2017, he said Washington would recognise the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, sparking outrage among the Palestinians who claim Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem as the capital of their own future state.

The US embassy was moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and inaugurated on May 14, 2018.

Netanyahu said he would submit the new settlement plan for cabinet approval when a new government takes office in the wake of last month's snap general election.

Netanyahu has been conducting low-key meetings with heads of the parties expected to join his coalition.

He has until the end of May to put together an alliance.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that a site for a promised new settlement to be named after US President Donald Trump had been chosen and formal approval was underway.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that a site for a promised new settlement to be named after US President Donald Trump had been chosen and formal approval was underway. "I promised that we would establish a community named after President Trump," Netanyahu said at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting. "I would like to inform you that we have already selected a site in the Golan Heights where this new community will be established, and we have started the process," he said in Hebrew. Netanyahu pledged such a move last month, in appreciation of Trump's recognition of Israel's claim of sovereignty over part of the strategic plateau. Trump broke with longstanding international consensus on March 25 when he recognised Israel's claim of sovereignty over the part of the Golan it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War. In December 2017, he said Washington would recognise the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, sparking outrage among the Palestinians who claim Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem as the capital of their own future state. The US embassy was moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and inaugurated on May 14, 2018. Netanyahu said he would submit the new settlement plan for cabinet approval when a new government takes office in the wake of last month's snap general election. Netanyahu has been conducting low-key meetings with heads of the parties expected to join his coalition. He has until the end of May to put together an alliance.

Israel says site found for Golan 'Trump' settlement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he would ask President Reuven Rivlin for more time to form a new coalition government, citing recent holidays and the Gaza flare-up.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-sworn-into-israels-new-parliament-after-election-victory-214818">Netanyahu's Likud won 35 seats in the April 9 general election,</a> with most party chiefs represented in the 120-seat parliament recommending that he forms the next governing coalition.

On April 17 Rivlin formally tasked him with the mission, which by law needs to be completed within 28 days -- although a 14-day extension is automatically granted upon request.

"As in past instances of forming a government, I intend on asking an extension from the president," Netanyahu said in the opening remarks of the weekly cabinet meeting.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/palestinians-voice-concern-over-netanyahu-win-215889/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Such an extension is not only acceptable but also required due to scheduling problems," he said citing a busy holiday season, including Passover and Israeli Independence Day, as well as the Gaza flare-up.

On May 4, militants in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip fired hundreds of rockets at Israel, prompting the army to strike dozens of targets inside the blockaded coastal enclave in response.

Four Israeli civilians and 25 Palestinians, including at least nine militants, were killed in the two-day flare-up, which ended on Monday in a tentative truce.

Netanyahu has been conducting low-intensity meetings with heads of the parties expected to join his coalition.

It is expected to include the 16 members of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, the far-right national religious union, Avigdor Lieberman's nationalistic Israel Beitenu and the centre-right Kulanu.

Netanyahu's lawyers were meanwhile negotiating with the justice ministry when the premier's pre-trial hearings would take place.

The attorney general announced in February his intention to indict Netanyahu for bribery, fraud and breach of trust -- pending a hearing.

Netanyahu is not required to resign if indicted, only if convicted with all appeals exhausted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he would ask President Reuven Rivlin for more time to form a new coalition government, citing recent holidays and the Gaza flare-up.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he would ask President Reuven Rivlin for more time to form a new coalition government, citing recent holidays and the Gaza flare-up. Netanyahu's Likud won 35 seats in the April 9 general election, with most party chiefs represented in the 120-seat parliament recommending that he forms the next governing coalition. On April 17 Rivlin formally tasked him with the mission, which by law needs to be completed within 28 days -- although a 14-day extension is automatically granted upon request. "As in past instances of forming a government, I intend on asking an extension from the president," Netanyahu said in the opening remarks of the weekly cabinet meeting. "Such an extension is not only acceptable but also required due to scheduling problems," he said citing a busy holiday season, including Passover and Israeli Independence Day, as well as the Gaza flare-up. On May 4, militants in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip fired hundreds of rockets at Israel, prompting the army to strike dozens of targets inside the blockaded coastal enclave in response. Four Israeli civilians and 25 Palestinians, including at least nine militants, were killed in the two-day flare-up, which ended on Monday in a tentative truce. Netanyahu has been conducting low-intensity meetings with heads of the parties expected to join his coalition. It is expected to include the 16 members of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, the far-right national religious union, Avigdor Lieberman's nationalistic Israel Beitenu and the centre-right Kulanu. Netanyahu's lawyers were meanwhile negotiating with the justice ministry when the premier's pre-trial hearings would take place. The attorney general announced in February his intention to indict Netanyahu for bribery, fraud and breach of trust -- pending a hearing. Netanyahu is not required to resign if indicted, only if convicted with all appeals exhausted.

Israel PM Netanyahu says needs more time to form new government

An Israeli cabinet minister warned on Sunday of possible direct or proxy Iranian attacks on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-will-not-allow-nuclear-armed-iran-benjamin-netanyahu-216991">Israel should the stand-off between Tehran and Washington</a> escalate.

The United States has increased economic and military pressure on Iran, with President Donald Trump on Thursday urging its leaders to talk to him about giving up their nuclear programme and saying he could not rule out an armed confrontation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, which supports Trump's hard tack against its arch-foe, has largely been reticent about the spiralling tensions.

Parting with the silence, Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said that, in the Gulf, "things are heating up".

"If there's some sort of conflagration between Iran and the United States, between Iran and its neighbours, I'm not ruling out that they will activate Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad from Gaza, or even that they will try to fire missiles from Iran at the State of Israel," Steinitz, a member of Netanyahu's security cabinet, told Israel's Ynet TV.

Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad are Iranian-sponsored guerrilla groups on Israel's borders, the former active in Syria as well as Lebanon and the latter in the Palestinian territories.

The Israeli military declined to comment when asked if it was making any preparations for possible threats linked to the Iran-US standoff.

Israel has traded blows with Iranian forces in Syria, as well as with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Palestinian militants. But it has not fought an open war with Iran, a country on the other side of the Middle East.

An Israeli cabinet minister warned on Sunday of possible direct or proxy Iranian attacks on Israel should the stand-off between Tehran and Washington escalate. The United States has increased economic and military pressure on Iran, with President Donald Trump on Thursday urging its leaders to talk to him about giving up their nuclear programme and saying he could not rule out an armed confrontation.

An Israeli cabinet minister warned on Sunday of possible direct or proxy Iranian attacks on Israel should the stand-off between Tehran and Washington escalate. The United States has increased economic and military pressure on Iran, with President Donald Trump on Thursday urging its leaders to talk to him about giving up their nuclear programme and saying he could not rule out an armed confrontation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, which supports Trump's hard tack against its arch-foe, has largely been reticent about the spiralling tensions. Parting with the silence, Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said that, in the Gulf, "things are heating up". "If there's some sort of conflagration between Iran and the United States, between Iran and its neighbours, I'm not ruling out that they will activate Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad from Gaza, or even that they will try to fire missiles from Iran at the State of Israel," Steinitz, a member of Netanyahu's security cabinet, told Israel's Ynet TV. Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad are Iranian-sponsored guerrilla groups on Israel's borders, the former active in Syria as well as Lebanon and the latter in the Palestinian territories. The Israeli military declined to comment when asked if it was making any preparations for possible threats linked to the Iran-US standoff. Israel has traded blows with Iranian forces in Syria, as well as with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Palestinian militants. But it has not fought an open war with Iran, a country on the other side of the Middle East.

Iran may attack Israel if US standoff escalates, says cabinet minister

In this video Israeli ambassador, Dr. Ron Malka speaks to WION.

WION Exclusive: Israeli ambassador speaks to WION

Anti-Semitism Has Risen In The U.S. Despite Trump'S Pro-Israel Stance. Why Is It So?

Gravitas: Pompeo Said Trump Was Sent By God To Save Israel From Iran

More Than 600 Hamas Rockets Rained On Israel Over The Weekend As Tit-For-Tat Fighting Continues Between Israel & Palestine.

Gravitas: Israel & Palestine Reach An Uneasy Truce After Yet Another Bout Of Deadly Violence

After a weekend of deadly Palestinian fire on the Israeli city of Ashkelon, the underground bunker where public officials studied CCTV and incoming rockets from Gaza was hushed Monday after a tentative ceasefire.

Half-drained coffee cups and unfinished sandwiches still sat on desks, but opposite city hall the car park of a local mall was packed as people went back to business as usual.

Earlier in the day, Palestinian leaders in Gaza announced a ceasefire with Israel, ending a sharp escalation of violence that threatened another war between them.

There was, as in previous truces, no confirmation from the Israeli side but there were no reports of rocket launches or retaliatory Israeli strikes during the day.

Civilians on both side of the Gaza border, just four kilometres from Ashkelon's city limits, said they were unhappy with the absence of a long-term solution and feared it would not be long before the bloodletting resumed.

The latest flareup began Saturday with massive rocket fire from blockaded Gaza, drawing waves of Israeli retaliatory strikes that continued throughout Sunday.

At least 25 Palestinians, including at least nine militants, were killed.

Four Israeli civilians were also killed -- two of them in Ashkelon and a third nearby.

Nissim Dadon, a resident of the nearby Israeli town of Sderot, accused Israel's government of being too soft on Hamas.

"We are too nice with them, like suckers," he told AFP.

"We need to make a thorough clean-up there with a firm hand and without mercy, and to be over with this situation once and for all."

In Gaza City, where the funerals of Palestinians killed in Israeli air strikes were taking place, the truce was welcomed.

It coincided with the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when believers fast during daylight hours.

"We are happy that there is a truce agreement but we need peace and calm for all the month of Ramadan," Rami Abu Azzam, 30, told AFP.

"This morning I rushed to the market early to buy all we need for Ramadan out of fear that the airstrikes would start again. We didn’t buy anything in the three days before fasting started."

'In seconds'

Sitting in his blast-proof office, Ashkelon's municipal chief of emergency services and security, Yossi Greenfeld, said the first rocket fired from Gaza into his city was in the year after Israel's 2005 pullout from the Gaza Strip.

The fire intensified, he said, after Islamist movement Hamas seized power in Gaza from the administration of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in 2007.

"People here, in going about their daily lives, take into account the possibility of rocket fire," he told AFP.

"Every resident is aware that he can find himself going from routine to a state of emergency in seconds."

Israel said some 690 rockets were fired from Gaza in total and it hit some 350 militant targets in the strip in retaliation.

The Gaza health ministry said the dead from the Israeli strikes included a 14-month-old baby and a pregnant woman, 37. Israel strongly disputed the claim and said the deaths were due to errant Hamas fire.

The Gazan ministry reported late Sunday that another four-month-old baby was among those killed in Israeli strikes in the northern Gaza Strip. Israel's army had no comment.

"There are many martyrs and injured and dozens of homes destroyed. How will they spend Ramadan?" asked Wafa Abu Sayf, 20, from Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza.

On the Israeli side of the border in Sderot, resident Amir Plut said: "We don't want war, where all sides only lose."

"We want peace with the Arabs, who are human beings like us."

Emerging from the Ashkelon bunker, Greenfeld pointed to a patch in the road outside, where a rocket crater from a previous attack had been filled in.

"You see that in many places around the city," he said, then gestured to the walls of neighbouring buildings, pockmarked by shrapnel.

"It's like living in a Wild West town. You need to know how to survive."&nbsp;

After a weekend of deadly Palestinian fire on the Israeli city of Ashkelon, the underground bunker where public officials studied CCTV and incoming rockets from Gaza was hushed Monday after a tentative ceasefire.

After a weekend of deadly Palestinian fire on the Israeli city of Ashkelon, the underground bunker where public officials studied CCTV and incoming rockets from Gaza was hushed Monday after a tentative ceasefire. Half-drained coffee cups and unfinished sandwiches still sat on desks, but opposite city hall the car park of a local mall was packed as people went back to business as usual. Earlier in the day, Palestinian leaders in Gaza announced a ceasefire with Israel, ending a sharp escalation of violence that threatened another war between them. There was, as in previous truces, no confirmation from the Israeli side but there were no reports of rocket launches or retaliatory Israeli strikes during the day. Civilians on both side of the Gaza border, just four kilometres from Ashkelon's city limits, said they were unhappy with the absence of a long-term solution and feared it would not be long before the bloodletting resumed. The latest flareup began Saturday with massive rocket fire from blockaded Gaza, drawing waves of Israeli retaliatory strikes that continued throughout Sunday. At least 25 Palestinians, including at least nine militants, were killed. Four Israeli civilians were also killed -- two of them in Ashkelon and a third nearby. Nissim Dadon, a resident of the nearby Israeli town of Sderot, accused Israel's government of being too soft on Hamas. "We are too nice with them, like suckers," he told AFP. "We need to make a thorough clean-up there with a firm hand and without mercy, and to be over with this situation once and for all." In Gaza City, where the funerals of Palestinians killed in Israeli air strikes were taking place, the truce was welcomed. It coincided with the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when believers fast during daylight hours. "We are happy that there is a truce agreement but we need peace and calm for all the month of Ramadan," Rami Abu Azzam, 30, told AFP. "This morning I rushed to the market early to buy all we need for Ramadan out of fear that the airstrikes would start again. We didn’t buy anything in the three days before fasting started." 'In seconds' Sitting in his blast-proof office, Ashkelon's municipal chief of emergency services and security, Yossi Greenfeld, said the first rocket fired from Gaza into his city was in the year after Israel's 2005 pullout from the Gaza Strip. The fire intensified, he said, after Islamist movement Hamas seized power in Gaza from the administration of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in 2007. "People here, in going about their daily lives, take into account the possibility of rocket fire," he told AFP. "Every resident is aware that he can find himself going from routine to a state of emergency in seconds." Israel said some 690 rockets were fired from Gaza in total and it hit some 350 militant targets in the strip in retaliation. The Gaza health ministry said the dead from the Israeli strikes included a 14-month-old baby and a pregnant woman, 37. Israel strongly disputed the claim and said the deaths were due to errant Hamas fire. The Gazan ministry reported late Sunday that another four-month-old baby was among those killed in Israeli strikes in the northern Gaza Strip. Israel's army had no comment. "There are many martyrs and injured and dozens of homes destroyed. How will they spend Ramadan?" asked Wafa Abu Sayf, 20, from Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. On the Israeli side of the border in Sderot, resident Amir Plut said: "We don't want war, where all sides only lose." "We want peace with the Arabs, who are human beings like us." Emerging from the Ashkelon bunker, Greenfeld pointed to a patch in the road outside, where a rocket crater from a previous attack had been filled in. "You see that in many places around the city," he said, then gestured to the walls of neighbouring buildings, pockmarked by shrapnel. "It's like living in a Wild West town. You need to know how to survive."

Israelis, Palestinians welcome truce but fear more violence

Google said on Tuesday it has launched a four-month programme in Israel to help startups grow globally using its experts and tools.

The Google Startup Growth Lab Programme has picked eight companies, after a pilot was completed in 2018.

"This is a programme for startups that are beginning their growth period or have growth challenges," Lior Noy, startup growth lead at Google, told Reuters.

The format, which provides industry insights to achieve growth in various geographies, is a first for Google, he added.

The eight firms include Guesty, a platform for short-term property management, and DayTwo, which provides personalised nutrition insights based on intestinal bacteria.

Noy said the programme will run three times a year and Google will continue to work with the startups even after their programmes end.

"We have a few teams that work with companies that are more mature and so we give them the best team to continue their growth," he said.

Google said on Tuesday it has launched a four-month programme in Israel to help startups grow globally using its experts and tools. The Google Startup Growth Lab Programme has picked eight companies, after a pilot was completed in 2018.

Google said on Tuesday it has launched a four-month programme in Israel to help startups grow globally using its experts and tools. The Google Startup Growth Lab Programme has picked eight companies, after a pilot was completed in 2018. "This is a programme for startups that are beginning their growth period or have growth challenges," Lior Noy, startup growth lead at Google, told Reuters. The format, which provides industry insights to achieve growth in various geographies, is a first for Google, he added. The eight firms include Guesty, a platform for short-term property management, and DayTwo, which provides personalised nutrition insights based on intestinal bacteria. Noy said the programme will run three times a year and Google will continue to work with the startups even after their programmes end. "We have a few teams that work with companies that are more mature and so we give them the best team to continue their growth," he said.

Google launches Israel programme to help startups grow globally

The death toll of Palestinians killed in the Gaza Strip on Sunday rose to 12, the Hamas-run health ministry said.

The ministry said three people, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-army-denies-gaza-mother-baby-killed-by-israeli-strike-216109">including a pregnant woman</a>, were killed in northern Gaza and two in southern Gaza, raising an earlier toll of seven.

At least six of those killed were confirmed to be militants affiliated with the Palestinian territory's leaders Hamas or the allied Islamic Jihad group.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the military to launch further strikes on Gaza Strip militants in response to rocket fire from the territory, as an escalation entered its second day.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/250-rockets-hit-israel-4-palestinians-1-israeli-dead-216110/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Gaza militants on Saturday fired some 250 rockets at Israel, which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-vows-more-massive-strikes-in-response-to-gaza-rockets-216066">responded with strikes as a fragile ceasefire</a> again faltered in an escalation.

The latest flare-up came with Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules the blockaded Gaza Strip, seeking further concessions from Israel under the ceasefire.

Israel said around 250 rockets were fired from the Palestinian enclave and its air defences intercepted dozens of them.

The death toll of Palestinians killed in the Gaza Strip on Sunday rose to 12, the Hamas-run health ministry said. The ministry said three people, including a pregnant woman, were killed in northern Gaza and two in southern Gaza, raising an earlier toll of seven.

The death toll of Palestinians killed in the Gaza Strip on Sunday rose to 12, the Hamas-run health ministry said. The ministry said three people, including a pregnant woman, were killed in northern Gaza and two in southern Gaza, raising an earlier toll of seven. At least six of those killed were confirmed to be militants affiliated with the Palestinian territory's leaders Hamas or the allied Islamic Jihad group. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the military to launch further strikes on Gaza Strip militants in response to rocket fire from the territory, as an escalation entered its second day. Gaza militants on Saturday fired some 250 rockets at Israel, which responded with strikes as a fragile ceasefire again faltered in an escalation. The latest flare-up came with Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules the blockaded Gaza Strip, seeking further concessions from Israel under the ceasefire. Israel said around 250 rockets were fired from the Palestinian enclave and its air defences intercepted dozens of them.

Death toll rises to 12 in Israeli retaliatory strike in Gaza Strip

Gaza militants fired over 250 rockets into Israeli towns and villages. . Watch this video to know more.

4 Palestinians dead, 3 Israelis injured

In an exclusive conversation with Political Analyst Arsen Ostrovsky over Israel-Gaza flare-up. Watch the full video to know more.

Political Analyst Arsen Ostrovsky speaks to WION over Israel-Gaza violence

4 Palestinians, 1 Israeli has been killed after around 250 rockets from Gaza hit Israel. Watch the full video to know more.

250 rockets hit Israel, 4 Palestinians, 1 Israeli dead

Israel announced Saturday it was closing its goods and people crossings with the Gaza Strip as well as the zone it allows for fishermen off the enclave in response to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/50-rockets-fired-at-israel-from-gaza-strip-215863">Palestinian rocket fire</a>.

The crossings and fishing zone were being closed until further notice after a violent flare-up that saw Gaza militants fire dozens of rockets at Israel, which responded with strikes.

The Israeli defence ministry unit that oversees the crossings announced the closure.

Palestinian militants in Gaza fired a barrage of dozens of rockets at Israel on Saturday and Israel responded with strikes as a fragile ceasefire between the two sides again faltered.

Israel said around 50 rockets were fired from the Palestinian enclave and its air defence systems intercepted dozens of them.

The army said it had targeted two rocket launchers in Gaza with an airstrike in response.&nbsp;

A Gazan security source said later that a series of Israeli strikes hit at least three separate areas of the Gaza Strip and that three "resistance fighters" were wounded.

&nbsp;

Israel announced Saturday it was closing its goods and people crossings with the Gaza Strip as well as the zone it allows for fishermen off the enclave in response to Palestinian rocket fire.

Israel announced Saturday it was closing its goods and people crossings with the Gaza Strip as well as the zone it allows for fishermen off the enclave in response to Palestinian rocket fire. The crossings and fishing zone were being closed until further notice after a violent flare-up that saw Gaza militants fire dozens of rockets at Israel, which responded with strikes. The Israeli defence ministry unit that oversees the crossings announced the closure. Palestinian militants in Gaza fired a barrage of dozens of rockets at Israel on Saturday and Israel responded with strikes as a fragile ceasefire between the two sides again faltered. Israel said around 50 rockets were fired from the Palestinian enclave and its air defence systems intercepted dozens of them. The army said it had targeted two rocket launchers in Gaza with an airstrike in response. A Gazan security source said later that a series of Israeli strikes hit at least three separate areas of the Gaza Strip and that three "resistance fighters" were wounded.

Israel says closing Gaza crossings in response to rocket fire

At least 50 rockets have been fired at Israel from the Gaza strip and dozens have been intercepted by Israeli air defenses. Watch the full video to know more.

50 rockets fired at Israel from Gaza strip

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-looks-to-form-right-wing-government-after-victory-209551">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> who won the April 9 elections in Israel, sworn into the country's new parliament on Tuesday.

He will seek to form a governing coalition in the days ahead.

Netanyahu was among the 120 members of the Knesset, or parliament.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-netanyahus-re-election-impacts-india-israel-relations-211379">How Netanyahu’s re-election impacts India-Israel relations</a>

His&nbsp;Likud won 35 seats out of the Knesset's 120 in the election, the same as his main opponents from the centrist Blue and White alliance, led by ex-military chief Benny Gantz.

But support from smaller right-wing parties allied to Likud led to a majority of 65 parliament members supporting Netanyahu to continue on as premier.

On April 17, President Reuven Rivlin<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-invited-to-form-new-government-in-israel-211343"> tasked Netanyahu with building a government</a>.

He has 28 days to form a government, with a possible extension of a further two weeks.

His support comes mainly from the nationalist right and the ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties.

Meanwhile, the attorney general has announced he intends to indict him for bribery, fraud and breach of trust pending a hearing.

But Netanyahu would be entitled to remain in office until his trial and any subsequent appeals are over.

One potential member of his coalition has said he wants to propose a law that would automatically shield parliament members from prosecution unless lawmakers act to lift it.

(With inputs from AFP)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who won the April 9 elections in Israel, sworn into the country's new parliament on Tuesday. He will seek to form a governing coalition in the days ahead.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who won the April 9 elections in Israel, sworn into the country's new parliament on Tuesday. He will seek to form a governing coalition in the days ahead. Netanyahu was among the 120 members of the Knesset, or parliament. Also read: How Netanyahu’s re-election impacts India-Israel relations His Likud won 35 seats out of the Knesset's 120 in the election, the same as his main opponents from the centrist Blue and White alliance, led by ex-military chief Benny Gantz. But support from smaller right-wing parties allied to Likud led to a majority of 65 parliament members supporting Netanyahu to continue on as premier. On April 17, President Reuven Rivlin tasked Netanyahu with building a government. He has 28 days to form a government, with a possible extension of a further two weeks. His support comes mainly from the nationalist right and the ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties. Meanwhile, the attorney general has announced he intends to indict him for bribery, fraud and breach of trust pending a hearing. But Netanyahu would be entitled to remain in office until his trial and any subsequent appeals are over. One potential member of his coalition has said he wants to propose a law that would automatically shield parliament members from prosecution unless lawmakers act to lift it. (With inputs from AFP)

Netanyahu sworn into Israel's new parliament after election victory

The Palestinians on Monday restated their refusal to accept tax revenues collected on its behalf by Israel so long as the Jewish state deducts millions of dollars over a dispute about prisoners.

"Our position is as it was, We will not receive any money from Israel if it is incomplete," Palestinian Authority (PA) president Mahmud Abbas told the weekly cabinet meeting in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

"This is something we will not accept at any cost."

Israel collects around $190 million a month in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports, and then it transfers the money to the PA.

In February, the Jewish state decided to deduct around $10 million a month from those revenues, corresponding to the amount it said the PA paid families of prisoners or directly to inmates serving time in Israeli jails.

The Palestinians responded by saying they would refuse any funds where unilateral deductions had been made.

Israeli public radio reported Monday that a month's payment -- minus the $10 million deductions -- had recently been transferred to PA bank accounts, in the hope the authority would quietly accept payment.

But after two weeks, the radio said, the money was returned to the Israeli finance ministry.

Israel sees the payments to those who have carried out attacks against Israelis as encouraging further violence.

The PA describes the payments as a form of welfare, while the Palestinian public regards prisoners jailed by Israel as national heroes.

The Arab League pledged last week to provide the PA with $100 million monthly, potentially averting a financial crisis caused by the row.

Abbas on Monday called on the body to honour that pledge.

"We do not have high hopes, but perhaps the amount could be considered a debt that we return as soon as Israel returns" the money, he said.

Abbas also renewed his opposition to a proposed US peace plan expected to be unveiled this summer.

He has refused to negotiate with Donald Trump's administration since December 2017, when the US president controversially recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Abbas, 84, has previously faced accusations of anti-Semitism in comments about the history of Israel, Jews and Zionism, the ideological movement behind the creation of a Jewish state, accusations he denies.

On Monday, he said,&nbsp;"Europe created -- this slightly annoys our neighbours -- Zionism and Israel."

"Let's not fool ourselves -- this is what history says."

The Palestinians on Monday restated their refusal to accept tax revenues collected on its behalf by Israel so long as the Jewish state deducts millions of dollars over a dispute about prisoners.

The Palestinians on Monday restated their refusal to accept tax revenues collected on its behalf by Israel so long as the Jewish state deducts millions of dollars over a dispute about prisoners. "Our position is as it was, We will not receive any money from Israel if it is incomplete," Palestinian Authority (PA) president Mahmud Abbas told the weekly cabinet meeting in the West Bank city of Ramallah. "This is something we will not accept at any cost." Israel collects around $190 million a month in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports, and then it transfers the money to the PA. In February, the Jewish state decided to deduct around $10 million a month from those revenues, corresponding to the amount it said the PA paid families of prisoners or directly to inmates serving time in Israeli jails. The Palestinians responded by saying they would refuse any funds where unilateral deductions had been made. Israeli public radio reported Monday that a month's payment -- minus the $10 million deductions -- had recently been transferred to PA bank accounts, in the hope the authority would quietly accept payment. But after two weeks, the radio said, the money was returned to the Israeli finance ministry. Israel sees the payments to those who have carried out attacks against Israelis as encouraging further violence. The PA describes the payments as a form of welfare, while the Palestinian public regards prisoners jailed by Israel as national heroes. The Arab League pledged last week to provide the PA with $100 million monthly, potentially averting a financial crisis caused by the row. Abbas on Monday called on the body to honour that pledge. "We do not have high hopes, but perhaps the amount could be considered a debt that we return as soon as Israel returns" the money, he said. Abbas also renewed his opposition to a proposed US peace plan expected to be unveiled this summer. He has refused to negotiate with Donald Trump's administration since December 2017, when the US president controversially recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Abbas, 84, has previously faced accusations of anti-Semitism in comments about the history of Israel, Jews and Zionism, the ideological movement behind the creation of a Jewish state, accusations he denies. On Monday, he said, "Europe created -- this slightly annoys our neighbours -- Zionism and Israel." "Let's not fool ourselves -- this is what history says."

Palestinians keep up refusal of tax revenues after Israel cuts

Israeli scientists say they have created the world’s first 3D-printed heart using human tissue. Professor Tal Dvir, who led the project, says the miniature organ was made with a patient's own cells, describing it as a "major medical breakthrough".

Israeli 3D printed heart took in 3 hours to made

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is all sent to form the next government in the Knesset — the Israeli Parliament, with the Right-wing coalition led by the Likud party having won 65 out of a total of 120 seats.

In turn, Netanyahu would not only become the longest-serving Prime Minister in Israel, but the election result has also underscored Israeli people’s approval of his domestic and foreign policy, despite him facing corruption charges.

In fact, since Netanyahu assumed the charge of Prime Minister in 2009, Israel’s gross domestic product has increased by 70 per cent. At the same time, the Netanyahu government has also initiated efforts to reinvent ties with the rest of the world. In particular, Israel has succeeded in getting the US to shift its embassy to Jerusalem and recognise Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights among other things.

Improved ties between India and Israel have also been a major foreign policy priority of the Netanyahu government. In the last five years, he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have made calibrated efforts to strengthen this relationship. This can be appreciated from the fact that during this period, several high profile political visits between the two countries have taken place.

While the then President Pranab Mukherjee became the first Indian President to visit Israel in 2015, Prime Minister Netanyahu, after meeting Modi at the UN, said that “sky is the limit” as far as India-Israel relations are concerned.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally visited Israel in July 2017, marking the end of India’s policy to look at ties with Israel through the prism of Arab-Israeli conflict.

Subsequently, Prime Minister Netanyahu paid a return visit to India in January 2018, with the two sides having reviewed their bilateral ties and discussed the means through which the relationship could be further strengthened.

Of course, the ardent desire of Modi and Netanyahu to elevate the engagement has not evolved in a vacuum. There are a number of motivations for the Modi government to seek close diplomatic ties with Israel.

First, India sees Israel play a crucial role in its endeavour to modernise its military and replace aged Russian defence hardware, given its expertise in the field of defence manufacturing.

Second, New Delhi now strongly feels that Tel Aviv’s active participation through the ‘Make in India’ programme will certainly help in boosting India’s economic growth and provide jobs to millions of people in the country.

True to expectations, Netanyahu has shown an interest in cooperating with the Modi government in its economic and developmental initiatives.

Thirdly, the China factor. Over the last several years, Israel is said to be China’s major defence supplier. This, in turn, has increased India’s security concerns, especially in view of Beijing long-time claims on some parts of Indian territory. There is also an apprehension in Indian strategic circles that Israeli military hardware and weapons sold to China could find their way to Pakistan, given the close nexus between Islamabad and Beijing.

Fourth, recent Russian overtures of forging defence cooperation with Pakistan has emerged as a security concern.

Fifth, political and security turmoil in the Middle East have helped India in expanding ties with Israel without attracting much criticism from the Arab States.

Lastly, despite India’s pro-Arab tilt in its Middle East policy, they have never made any effort to address India’s concerns on Kashmir. Instead, in the past, these countries have used the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) as a tool to support Pakistan on Kashmir.

For its part, Israel can look forward to defence ties with this country in view of the fact that New Delhi is supposed to spend $150 billion to modernise its military by 2027. It also needs India’s support on the Palestine issue.

Deepening ties with Tel Aviv does not mean that the Modi government is unaware of the importance of the Arab States or there is a shift in India’s stand on Palestine. The presence of Sushma Swaraj at the OIC was a clear reflection of the balanced policy that the Modi government has pursued towards the Arab world and Israel. 
 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-how-netanyahu-s-re-election-impacts-india-israel-relations-2740659">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is all sent to form the next government in the Knesset — the Israeli Parliament, with the Right-wing coalition led by the Likud party having won 65 out of a total of 120 seats.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is all sent to form the next government in the Knesset — the Israeli Parliament, with the Right-wing coalition led by the Likud party having won 65 out of a total of 120 seats. In turn, Netanyahu would not only become the longest-serving Prime Minister in Israel, but the election result has also underscored Israeli people’s approval of his domestic and foreign policy, despite him facing corruption charges. In fact, since Netanyahu assumed the charge of Prime Minister in 2009, Israel’s gross domestic product has increased by 70 per cent. At the same time, the Netanyahu government has also initiated efforts to reinvent ties with the rest of the world. In particular, Israel has succeeded in getting the US to shift its embassy to Jerusalem and recognise Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights among other things. Improved ties between India and Israel have also been a major foreign policy priority of the Netanyahu government. In the last five years, he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have made calibrated efforts to strengthen this relationship. This can be appreciated from the fact that during this period, several high profile political visits between the two countries have taken place. While the then President Pranab Mukherjee became the first Indian President to visit Israel in 2015, Prime Minister Netanyahu, after meeting Modi at the UN, said that “sky is the limit” as far as India-Israel relations are concerned. Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally visited Israel in July 2017, marking the end of India’s policy to look at ties with Israel through the prism of Arab-Israeli conflict. Subsequently, Prime Minister Netanyahu paid a return visit to India in January 2018, with the two sides having reviewed their bilateral ties and discussed the means through which the relationship could be further strengthened. Of course, the ardent desire of Modi and Netanyahu to elevate the engagement has not evolved in a vacuum. There are a number of motivations for the Modi government to seek close diplomatic ties with Israel. First, India sees Israel play a crucial role in its endeavour to modernise its military and replace aged Russian defence hardware, given its expertise in the field of defence manufacturing. Second, New Delhi now strongly feels that Tel Aviv’s active participation through the ‘Make in India’ programme will certainly help in boosting India’s economic growth and provide jobs to millions of people in the country. True to expectations, Netanyahu has shown an interest in cooperating with the Modi government in its economic and developmental initiatives. Thirdly, the China factor. Over the last several years, Israel is said to be China’s major defence supplier. This, in turn, has increased India’s security concerns, especially in view of Beijing long-time claims on some parts of Indian territory. There is also an apprehension in Indian strategic circles that Israeli military hardware and weapons sold to China could find their way to Pakistan, given the close nexus between Islamabad and Beijing. Fourth, recent Russian overtures of forging defence cooperation with Pakistan has emerged as a security concern. Fifth, political and security turmoil in the Middle East have helped India in expanding ties with Israel without attracting much criticism from the Arab States. Lastly, despite India’s pro-Arab tilt in its Middle East policy, they have never made any effort to address India’s concerns on Kashmir. Instead, in the past, these countries have used the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) as a tool to support Pakistan on Kashmir. For its part, Israel can look forward to defence ties with this country in view of the fact that New Delhi is supposed to spend $150 billion to modernise its military by 2027. It also needs India’s support on the Palestine issue. Deepening ties with Tel Aviv does not mean that the Modi government is unaware of the importance of the Arab States or there is a shift in India’s stand on Palestine. The presence of Sushma Swaraj at the OIC was a clear reflection of the balanced policy that the Modi government has pursued towards the Arab world and Israel. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

How Netanyahu’s re-election impacts India-Israel relations

Tel Aviv University researchers have "printed" the world's first three dimensional (3D) vascularised engineered heart using a patient's own cells and biological materials. Their findings were published on 15 April in a study in Advanced Science.

World's first 3D heart printed in Israel

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin began a series of meetings Monday with representatives of political parties voted into parliament in last week's elections ahead of choosing who will form the next government.

Rivlin would appear to have little choice but to pick incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/final-israel-election-results-leave-netanyahu-on-course-209860&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiRxNKpztHhAhUk4HMBHdhfAtwQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2VhLQmBxQtY8ooRLpsrFTT">Netanyahu</a> after his party won the most seats in the April 9 vote leaving it best placed to form a coalition government.

Netanyahu's Likud party which won 36 seats was the first to meet Rivlin on Monday morning.

The consultations, broadcast live from Rivlin's residence, will take place over two days, during which members of each party will tell the president who they think should be tasked with forming the government.

The president will assign the mission to the member of parliament who wins the support of at least 61 lawmakers, constituting a majority of the parliament's 120 members.

"The process should reflect the people's will, as reflected in their vote," said Rivlin, a former Likud member whose relationship with Netanyahu has been tense at times.

"A president does not choose a prime minister, nor does one person from the population. The sovereign does, and the sovereign is the people."

There were no surprises from the Likud's representatives when asked who they thought should form a coalition.

"We naturally would like to recommend Benjamin Netanyahu, head of the Likud and the prime minister, as the person who won the most trust, the broadest public support, to be the one to form the next government," outgoing Tourism Minister Yariv Levin told Rivlin.&nbsp;

Final results from the vote will be announced by the central elections committee on Wednesday, and Rivlin said he intended to summon the designated prime minister the same day.

The chosen politician then has 28 days to form a government but can ask for an extension of up to 14 days.

The combined total of seats projected for Likud and what Netanyahu calls its "natural partners" among the right and religious Jewish parties adds up to a comfortable 65 seats -- a workable five-seat majority.

No single political party in Israel's more than 70-year history has ever won an absolute majority in elections, and coalitions are the norm.

Netanyahu's centrist challenger Benny Gantz, whose representatives were next to meet Rivlin, came a close second with his Blue and White alliance winning 35 seats, but with no feasible means to form a coalition.

Gantz's representatives recommended him for prime minister during their meeting with Rivlin.

There have been suggestions that Netanyahu could form a unity government with Blue and White, but the possibility appears far less likely given the prime minister's leverage.

Netanyahu is facing the threat of indictment for corruption and the allegations are likely to play an important role in coalition negotiations.

Many analysts expect the prime minister to seek pledges from potential partners to agree to remain in his government if he is indicted during what would be his fifth term in office.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin began a series of meetings Monday with representatives of political parties voted into parliament in last week's elections ahead of choosing who will form the next government.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin began a series of meetings Monday with representatives of political parties voted into parliament in last week's elections ahead of choosing who will form the next government. Rivlin would appear to have little choice but to pick incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after his party won the most seats in the April 9 vote leaving it best placed to form a coalition government. Netanyahu's Likud party which won 36 seats was the first to meet Rivlin on Monday morning. The consultations, broadcast live from Rivlin's residence, will take place over two days, during which members of each party will tell the president who they think should be tasked with forming the government. The president will assign the mission to the member of parliament who wins the support of at least 61 lawmakers, constituting a majority of the parliament's 120 members. "The process should reflect the people's will, as reflected in their vote," said Rivlin, a former Likud member whose relationship with Netanyahu has been tense at times. "A president does not choose a prime minister, nor does one person from the population. The sovereign does, and the sovereign is the people." There were no surprises from the Likud's representatives when asked who they thought should form a coalition. "We naturally would like to recommend Benjamin Netanyahu, head of the Likud and the prime minister, as the person who won the most trust, the broadest public support, to be the one to form the next government," outgoing Tourism Minister Yariv Levin told Rivlin. Final results from the vote will be announced by the central elections committee on Wednesday, and Rivlin said he intended to summon the designated prime minister the same day. The chosen politician then has 28 days to form a government but can ask for an extension of up to 14 days. The combined total of seats projected for Likud and what Netanyahu calls its "natural partners" among the right and religious Jewish parties adds up to a comfortable 65 seats -- a workable five-seat majority. No single political party in Israel's more than 70-year history has ever won an absolute majority in elections, and coalitions are the norm. Netanyahu's centrist challenger Benny Gantz, whose representatives were next to meet Rivlin, came a close second with his Blue and White alliance winning 35 seats, but with no feasible means to form a coalition. Gantz's representatives recommended him for prime minister during their meeting with Rivlin. There have been suggestions that Netanyahu could form a unity government with Blue and White, but the possibility appears far less likely given the prime minister's leverage. Netanyahu is facing the threat of indictment for corruption and the allegations are likely to play an important role in coalition negotiations. Many analysts expect the prime minister to seek pledges from potential partners to agree to remain in his government if he is indicted during what would be his fifth term in office.

Israeli president starts process of selecting next PM

Israeli police arrested the Palestinian governor of Jerusalem, Adnan Gheith.

The police and governor's lawyer Mohammed Mahmud said that he allegedly violated an order previously given to him by authorities.

Adnan Gheith was ordered not to visit the occupied West Bank for six months and also not to contact certain people and he violated it.

police spokesman Micky Rosenfield confirmed Gheith's arrest.

A Palestinian news agency said that Gheith was later released on Sunday and was given a fine of $280.

The governor, Adnan Gheith, has been arrested several times in recent months in connection with an investigation related to a land sale.

(With inputs from AFP)

Israeli police arrested the Palestinian governor of Jerusalem, Adnan Gheith. The police and governor's lawyer Mohammed Mahmud said that he allegedly violated an order previously given to him by authorities.

Israeli police arrested the Palestinian governor of Jerusalem, Adnan Gheith. The police and governor's lawyer Mohammed Mahmud said that he allegedly violated an order previously given to him by authorities. Adnan Gheith was ordered not to visit the occupied West Bank for six months and also not to contact certain people and he violated it. police spokesman Micky Rosenfield confirmed Gheith's arrest. A Palestinian news agency said that Gheith was later released on Sunday and was given a fine of $280. The governor, Adnan Gheith, has been arrested several times in recent months in connection with an investigation related to a land sale. (With inputs from AFP)

Israel arrests Palestinian governor Gheith of Jerusalem

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